The Boston Marathon is one of the premier athletic events that the United States has to offer. Every year, people from all over the world come to participate in the race, watch the race, and partake in the "Patriots' Day" festivities. This year, there was a very special entrant. Katherine Switzer, a 70 year old female who ran in the marathon. Her age is not what makes her special, because there have been older participants. It's what she did 50 years earlier that makes it a big occasion.
In 1967 Switzer, then 20 years old, became the first female to get a number and run in the Boston Marathon. While we sit here and applaud this feat now, it was much more controversial when she first ran the event. During the race, one of the officials of the race tried to physically stop her by grabbing her bib. Jock Semple, the official, was unsuccessful as her then boyfriend stopped him.
Running a marathon at age 20 is impressive. Running a marathon at 70 is extremely impressive. As someone who can not run a 5K, let alone a marathon, I do have a great appreciation for those who can, especially so late in life.
Switzer does have some solid finishes in her running career. She finished first in the New York Marathon in 1974. The following year, she finished 2nd in the 1975 Boston Marathon.
It wasn't until 1972 that women were officially allowed to run the Boston Marathon. Had it not been for Switzer, this would not have happened so soon. She is a pioneer, a leader, and to this day, an icon of the Boston Marathon. That is why she is our Women Crushed Wednesday!
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